Nothing may ever truly replace Hot Doug's in the eyes of some Chicagoans, but at least its Avondale space won't be vacant long.
The team behind Fatso's Last Stand (formerly Phil's Last Stand) plans to open Franks Meats Patty at 3324 N. California Ave. on Dec. 1, serving the same menu found at their Ukrainian Village hot dog stand, including housemade mac 'n' cheese, fried shrimp, char-grilled salami and burgers reminiscent of the ones at In-N-Out Burger. Like the West Coast chain, Fatso's has a secret menu, and the shrimp po' boy that's been a favorite there will be on the regular menu at Frank Meats Patty.
"We were already talking about a number two," said general manager Bob Corbett. "Business has been good. When we heard that [Hot Doug's] was closing, we asked about the spot. We negotiated and were able to land the lease. It kind of forced our hand."
The space will only be cosmetically altered and Frank Meats Patty will use some equipment purchased from Hot Doug's. Corbett said the restaurant is considering paying tribute to its predecessor by serving duck fat fries on weekends and wild game burgers once a month. "We don't really specialize in sausage the way [Doug Sohn] did, but we do know burgers," Corbett said.
Corbett said he hopes Frank Meats Patty will be popular with people who work nearby and but didn't have time to wait in the legendary lines at Hot Doug's on their lunch break. The new restaurant will also be open later, closing between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., and will offer delivery.
"We'll never do what Doug does," Corbett said. "I don't know how. But we'll do what we do well."
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